Health Effects
Avoiding PBDEs: Living the Science Recommendations and Resources
Do More

What are Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)?

Like PBCs, Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are man-made compounds. They are classified as being lower brominated PBDEs or higher brominated PBDEs based on the number of bromine atoms contained in each PBDE molecule (bromine is a halogen element and tends to dangerous at room temperature).

Lower brominated PBDEs have one to five bromine atoms and are thought to accumulate more easily in the environment and in animal tissues. Higher brominated PBDEs have five or more bromine atoms.

Common Sources:

PBDEs are used widely as flame retardants in furniture and electronics. PBDEs often get into dust which is then eaten in food or is inhaled by humans or other animals. After ingestion or inhalation, PBDEs accumulate in animal blood and tissues and as such, humans get exposed to PBDEs via direct sources and also when they eat animal products (including dairy as well as meat).

Concentrations in the environment and in human samples varies by country and region with the United States having higher blood, breast milk and dust levels than those from Europe and California having especially high levels (likely in part to more stringent furniture flammability standards).

Research has shown that PBDEs persist in the environment and get stored in the tissues of living organisms including human food sources and humans themselves. This pattern is particularly problematic for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding given that PDBEs get passed from mother to baby. PBDE exposure has been shown to contribute to toxicicty of the liver and thyroid and to be causally linked to several types of cancer and to the development of neurodevelopmental disorders like mental retardation and attention deficit disorders.  

Avoiding PBDEs: Living the Science Recommendations and Resources 

Books With More Information About Avoiding PBDEs Books With More Information Environmental Toxins

Books With More Information About Avoiding PBDEs by Buying Organic

Books With More Information About Avoiding PBDEs by Using Green Building Products

Environmentally Friendlier Building Materials

Purchase Organic Foo

Do More

Several organizations including the Sierra Clubare working to help keep our food and water safe. Consider joining this or another organization doing this important work.